Why Most Startup Stories Suck
Yo! It’s not Connor. It’s Sid.
I’m taking over his newsletter while he’s in Italy. And it’s making a comeback. Before you close out this email since I’m a stranger and might sound like a hacker…hear me out
I’m Connor’s buddy from DePaul. And want to talk to you about why most startup stories suck:
They’re too vanilla (and abstract)
They aren’t bold enough, or too bold
They’re not human
Quick intro to me: I’m Sid Khaitan, currently running the Go-To-Market Strategy and Execution for a product at Chili Piper and am building a social shopping app (@chosenforthislife_ on IG). You can also find me on LinkedIn and now Twitter.
Also do pitch work + write + GTM advice. Gonna be working for Startup Hypeman soon, you should check it out.
Ight let’s hop into it.
“Making the world a better place”
Ever seen the show Silicon Valley?
A bunch of nerds get up on stage and say the same thing - “making the world a better place through” <insert tech here>
It’s too templated, too boring, too abstract
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We’re everything to everyone (or “we’re the best”)
You know the easiest way to not be bold enough?
Be like everyone else.
This stems from not knowing your audience and not listening
Because if you define your niche properly, you know exactly what they want…
Or at least a good hypothesis as to what will resonate. Which you can then test…
It’s called copy for a reason.
Listen to your prospects and customers and gather their grievances (problem first). Start a customer advisory board (CAB). Send them your messaging ideas and get feedback.
In the same breath, it’s easy to be TOO bold.
Sorry Zoho, but I’m about to hit you with a burn.
When I was at Salesforce’s Dreamforce event, I saw multiple billboards with this messaging:
Uhh… you’re not the world’s favorite CRM. Salesforce is.
If you are… then prove it
If you’re gonna be bold, have the meat to back it up
Which brings me to the last point
Beep boop bop
Overall: Be human. Don’t be a robot
Good brands feel like people:
They make mistakes
They learn
They have actual interests
They write how they speak
See:
Chili Piper
Gong
Wynter
Sid Khaitan
Chosen For This Life
Connor Skelly
Shameless plugs:
If you wanna fix your pitch or talk shop, schedule time with me here
Check out my upcoming brand - we’ll have sports memorabilia and clothes (just email me at skhaita2@gmail.com if you want 10% off)